SOCAN Foundation Announces Launch of Indigenous Songwriter Award

[![Buffy Sainte-Marie receiving the 2018 Juno Award for Indigenous Music Album of the Year [Photo: CARAS/iPhoto]](/content/images/2018/03/Buffy-Junos-286x300.jpg)](/content/images/2018/03/Buffy-Junos.jpg)Buffy Sainte-Marie receiving the 2018 Juno Award for Indigenous Music Album of the Year [Photo: CARAS/iPhoto]

The SOCAN Foundation, part of the SOCAN Group of organizations, today announced the launch of the Indigenous Songwriter Award, in partnership with TD Bank Group.The TD Indigenous Songwriter Award will recognize the musical talent and creativity of the best music created, in any genre, by songwriters and composers of Indigenous descent. The inaugural award will be presented at the Indigenous Music Awards in Winnipeg on May 18, 2018.

“The Indigenous Songwriter Award builds on the SOCAN Foundation and the efforts of TD to foster, promote and diversify opportunities for music creators of Indigenous descent. Our ongoing aim is to build inclusive grant and awards programming that is as diverse as the communities in which we live, and this new award pushes us even further ahead,” says Charlie Wall-Andrews, Executive Director of the SOCAN Foundation.

The winner of the TD Indigenous Songwriter Award will receive a $10,000 prize, made possible by the support of TD. In addition to the cash prize, the winner will receive airfare and accommodation to and from the Indigenous Music Awards in Winnipeg.

“TD is excited to partner with the SOCAN Foundation for the Indigenous Songwriter Award. We see music as a conversation starter, something that has the power to bring communities together and gives us all somewhere to belong. Music enriches all of our lives and connects us. We are proud to sponsor this award which encourages individual and collective storytelling to create stronger and more vibrant communities,” says Valérie Picher, associate VP of community relations at TD Bank Group.

A jury of prominent Indigenous songwriters will select the winner of the TD Indigenous Songwriter Award. Music creators can apply as of March 25th and access information about eligibility and the selection process at www.socanfoundation.ca/awards/. Further details of the process will be made available by the SOCAN Foundation.

“The SOCAN Foundation is the perfect presenter for the TD Indigenous Songwriter Award at the 2018 CBC Music Indigenous Music Awards, presented by Casinos of Winnipeg, because they dedicate themselves to fostering the development of incredible songwriters,” adds Jacquie Black, manager of the Indigenous Music Awards. “This award gives even more recognition to the outstanding Indigenous talent currently honouring traditions and storytelling through music.”

The launch of the TD Indigenous Music Award comes as SOCAN celebrates the Foundation’s 25th anniversary. So far, the Foundation has awarded more than $25-million to Canadian music initiatives. This represents more than 6,000 grants to individuals and organizations that have empowered and supported thousands of Canadian composers and songwriters.

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